I have tried cleaning it numerous times but it just seems like it gets cuts way to easy. I was cutting ties for the a quilt and with the fabric being so thin it actually get pushed down into these cut marks.
I have turned this 24 x 36 mat every way possible and used every square inch.
So my question for all of you is.... what brand mat works best for you???
It there a trick or secret to make them last longer?
How long does your mat last for you?
9 comments:
I use an Olfa cutting mat, which is getting pretty old so it looks like that too. BUT - I found out that if you use the Pledge Pet Hair Remover on it, most of those little fabric shreds will come right up! It works on your ironing board cover, too.....
And by the way, I've had my cutting mat for nearly 20 years now, and it's just now getting to the point where I'm thinking I might need to get a new one....
Agree with Sarah. I had the one you have, was too soft, gave to sis for a protective craft mat. Have both Olfa and Dritz both over 20 yrs old, used a LOT and still fine although marks in center of one of them the oldest one, are faint, don't use the marks much anyway. The only one I ever wore out was a June Tailor Cut n Press, but I love it so I bought another. I think the soft pressing surface on the back of the cutting mat allows one to cut into the surface a little more, but love that I can cut, flip board over and press too. They need a better glue on the cut n press though.
Thanks Y'all. I was thinking about getting an Olfa but wasn't quite sure. So as soon as I can find one one sale for a good price, It will be mine! (I hate paying full price for anything!)
Olfa and Omnigrid. I use my mats every day and they last typically about 5 years with my heavy use. Six months is way too short, don't get that brand again!
I use only Olfa now. I started with another brand. I forgot the name of it but it was black and the only thing sold locally. It was CRUMMY! It was always on a flat surface and never near heat or light and still warped.
I was at a quilt show where an Olfa representative said that giving your mat a soak in the bathtub can be really good for it. He claimed that it helps maintain the self-healing quality and flexibility of the mat. I couldn't find anything about a bath on their website but it did say you could clean it with luke warm water and a mild detergent.
a bath huh? got to be some way to help clean it and make the self healing process work better.
I'll keep that in mind once I get my new mat!
I, too, use the Olfa cutting mat. In fact I own three different sizes. Used them for years and you can't see or feel a single cut in any of them. I hope the bath works for yours.
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